Dogs are often considered part of the family. That is why it is so sad when they contract any type of sickness or disease. It is unfortunate, but dogs are susceptible to many of the same diseases that humans are. One specific one is diabetes. Research estimates that 1 in 500 dogs develop diabetes over the course of their lifetime. No particular breed is immune to it, so you have to be prepared on how to manage your dog’s diabetes if they happen to develop it. With the right direction from your veterinarian, proper diet and proportion control, you can greatly extend their life.
Proper management of your dog’s diabetes allows you to be in control of it, instead of it in control of them. Similarly to how people treat diabetes, dogs need to avoid certain foods and take medicine daily. Picking out the right food can keep them from any kind of suffering, and help prevent any changes in their behavior. Therefore, it is important to find food that will keep your dog’s blood sugar low.
What are the best diabetic dog food brands though?
There are a couple different options. Specialized Diabetic Dog Food Brands:
– Merrick Pet Foods
– Nature’s Best
– Hills Science Diet
– Organix Dog Food
These are a few of the most popular choices for dog food that is specifically created for dogs with diabetes. Some of these may require a prescription from your veterinarian though. An alternate option is to find commercialized dog diabetic dog food brands. These are the most popular brands you see on the shelves at pet stores. Before picking out any specific brand, you should look for a couple specific content levels.
Content Level Guidelines:
- High amounts of protein
- Low in carbohydrates
- Low in fat
- Not containing all forms of sugar
After your dog is diagnosed with diabetes, your vet will recommend specific diet habits, and most likely specific diabetic dog food brands. If you choose to go an alternative route, you can look for your own brand as long as you follow the guidelines listed above. You can even cook all your dog’s food, but this takes a far greater time commitment, so you must decide if you are able to do this daily. The most important thing to do is stabilize your dog’s blood sugar levels. It may not happen right away, but it is necessary to extending your dog’s life.
You might have to test which brands work and which don’t, but once you are able to find the right kind and right amount, stick to it. The first six months of treatment are crucial, as they pretty much determine how your dog will be able to handle the disease, and if any specific treatments are going to work. The first step after diagnosis is to find which diabetic dog food brands work best in your situation. Try out some of the ones listed above, or any that your vet recommends, and you will be on your way to getting your pup back to normal and keeping him in the family for the long run.
